Search found 2381 matches

by Afty
Tue Mar 12, 2024 2:08 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: iPad Buying Question for Younger Kids
Replies: 25
Views: 1919

Re: iPad Buying Question for Younger Kids

FYI there are cheap pencil knockoffs on Amazon that work fine. I have this one: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0BW8 ... UTF8&psc=1

What specifically will your kids use it for? If you’re also looking at a keyboard maybe a full computer would be a better choice. I found around age 10 or 11 my kids' computing needs started to exceed what an iPad can do.
by Afty
Thu Mar 07, 2024 5:47 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Longtime iPhone user looking at Pixel - what to know?
Replies: 60
Views: 4776

Re: Longtime iPhone user looking at Pixel - what to know?

I've had an iPhone since they came out. It's time for a new phone, and I'm interested in a Pixel 8. I don't like big phones, and apparently Apple is going to make their new 2024 phones even bigger. I'm confused, the Pixel 8 is larger than an iPhone 15: https://www.gsmarena.com/size-compare-3d.php3?idPhone1=12559&idPhone2=12546 FWIW: I switched from Pixel to iPhone 2.5 years ago. Pixels look good on paper but have a long trail of minor issues which, in aggregate, turn out to be pretty irritating. For example, in my experience battery life is much worse, and the batteries degrade faster making it necessary to replace the battery after a couple years of service. Apps are not as polished. A lot of the Pixel features are half baked or gimmi...
by Afty
Thu Mar 07, 2024 11:24 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Mid-career change to law?
Replies: 127
Views: 11690

Re: Mid-career change to law?

Valuethinker wrote: Wed Mar 06, 2024 10:26 am If we think of iconic companies that are falling by the wayside: GM, Boeing, GE etc... if we think how "AI" might transform a lot of knowledge work (although the applications I have seen now are "toy like" to my mind & there clearly is a hype-bubble going on - but that's presumably not where the real applications are emerging from the technology).
There was a description above of associate work as "not intellectually interesting," and that it's rewritten by senior lawyers anyway. That sounds a lot like work that could be done by AI either now or very soon.
by Afty
Thu Feb 29, 2024 11:21 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Neighbor Got Burglarized, How To Prevent
Replies: 74
Views: 8332

Re: Neighbor Got Burglarized, How To Prevent

This exact thing happened to us a few years ago. A burglar entered our backyard and broke a sliding glass door to get into the house. Note that they broke the glass so reinforcing the door or windows not to open wouldn't have helped. They did this in broad daylight while we are at work. Some things I learned as part of that: * Burglars generally don't want to come in if anyone is home * Burglars want to get in and out as quickly as possible. They're not going to deeply search the home. * Burglars are going to go for small, expensive items as opposed to large ones that are difficult to transport (e.g. a TV). * Burglars know where people typically keep their valuables and will focus on those areas -- basically bedrooms. * Burglars can't drive...
by Afty
Wed Feb 28, 2024 9:54 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Blocking callers on Iphone
Replies: 22
Views: 2147

Re: Blocking callers on Iphone

I am at my wits end. For the past several months I have been getting multiple calls daily wanting to send me new updated benefits provided by Medicare. I know these are scams and once you provide your medicare number its off to the races. My Iphone allows me to block future calls by the calling number. So far I must have blocked over 150 phone numbers but they still come up with new numbers to call me on. I am just curious, how can a scam artist come up with so many new phone numbers? Also, I am sure other Bogleheads have had this experience. Have you come up with a way to stop these irritating calls? If so let me know how. In the beginning I use to speak with these callers and I would let them know they are the rodents of the earth and us...
by Afty
Mon Feb 26, 2024 1:46 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Disneyland Hotels - Walking Distance and Driving Distance
Replies: 13
Views: 2191

Re: Disneyland Hotels - Walking Distance and Driving Distance

We were just there last week and stayed in the Holiday Inn Express & Suites Anaheim Resort Area. No complaints and it was very close — about a 10 minute walk to either park. We had a suite which was quite roomy.
by Afty
Sun Feb 25, 2024 3:33 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: FIRE-ing In, Quitting versus Getting FIRE-d - Talking to Boss Tomorrow
Replies: 148
Views: 22535

Re: FIRE-ing In, Quitting versus Getting FIRE-d - Talking to Boss Tomorrow

I’ll echo humblecoder and suggest that you consider how this appears from your boss's perspective. You’re effectively asking them to pay you to do something they can do for free by just firing you. What is your leverage, what can you offer them to make this a mutually beneficial arrangement?
by Afty
Sat Feb 24, 2024 3:51 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Do your intra-company yearly raises keep with inflation?
Replies: 60
Views: 6065

Re: Do your inter-company yearly raises keep with inflation?

Companies don't give raises to keep up with inflation, they give raises to keep up with market rates.
by Afty
Wed Feb 07, 2024 3:14 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Why don't hiring managers offer their best offer?
Replies: 9
Views: 1166

Re: Why don't hiring managers offer their best offer?

It’s possible it’s a policy and the hiring manager can only negotiate beyond a certain point if the candidate presents a competing offer.
by Afty
Mon Feb 05, 2024 4:06 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: DELETED
Replies: 19
Views: 1785

Re: Take Money To Cut Parental Leave Short

DiMAn0684 wrote: Mon Feb 05, 2024 4:01 pm
JSPECO9 wrote: Mon Feb 05, 2024 3:53 pm It's a permanent increase to not take the rest of the leave aside for 3 weeks. No taking it later.
Seems a bit of a weird deal, tbh. Do you think you're underpaid? Company is willing to pay you 25%+ more indefinitely for you to give up nine weeks of time off. Does the company have a history of laying people off during the 'slow' season?
Yeah this seems iffy to me. Maybe they plan to lay you off after the busy season. Also the idea of paying someone not to take leave they are legally entitled to seems unethical.
by Afty
Sun Feb 04, 2024 6:54 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Best Costco Value Detergent?
Replies: 25
Views: 2526

Re: Best Costco Value Detergent?

Another Kirkland no scent user here, works well for our family.
by Afty
Thu Feb 01, 2024 11:48 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Love my job, told re-lo for RTO or no advancement [Return To Office]
Replies: 128
Views: 9761

Re: Love my job, told re-lo for RTO or no advancement

Jovby wrote: Thu Feb 01, 2024 9:51 am Do make yourself indispensable by doing the best job that you can. If you do end up asking for an exception to this policy, you want everybody to think “YES.” Policy is one thing, but management can and often does whatever it wants.
This has been my experience as well. If you are valued highly enough, and your manager has enough political clout, a lot of policies can be made to go away.
by Afty
Wed Jan 31, 2024 1:38 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: My position may be eliminated seeking help in finding a new position
Replies: 47
Views: 6941

Re: My position may be eliminated seeking help in finding a new position

Regarding LinkedIn: It seems like you already have an account, but your profile is not updated. How well connected is your LinkedIn account to former coworkers? If the answer is "not well," this would be a good time to send them connection requests. Also connecting to them enables you to message them, which is a great way of asking about potential opportunities.
by Afty
Tue Jan 30, 2024 7:23 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Do you ever have to show HSA receipts?
Replies: 36
Views: 3601

Re: Do you ever have to show HSA receipts?

I have saved up a bunch of HSA receipts to submit for reimbursement (I used to use the visa card from them, but now pay cash and then only withdraw the money when I want/need to). My HSA provider (Optum) only says the receipts are optional - which surprises me as my previous FSA was a super stickler about what I sent them. It seems to be on the honor system - which blows my mind. I am guessing if audited the IRS would want receipts to show they are legit expenses? I have just stapled a copy of the check I received to the actual receipts and filed away with my tax return. I assume I keep them as long as I keep all my tax records? (I know opinion on this varies, but IRS recommends 3 years or up to 7 in case of substantial errors) - FWIW- I t...
by Afty
Mon Jan 29, 2024 2:38 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Help me navigate huge LTCG tax
Replies: 85
Views: 8348

Re: Help me navigate huge LTCG tax

Navillus1968 wrote: Mon Jan 29, 2024 2:26 pm Once you've decided to incur 23.8% LTCG tax, might as well shoot the moon & get yourself to a diversified position in one fell swoop.
Was thinking the same thing. If you’re going to pay 23.8% on all of it, might as well get it over with ASAP.
by Afty
Sun Jan 28, 2024 3:27 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Garage EV Charger Options - which way to go?
Replies: 58
Views: 5014

Re: Garage EV Charger Options - which way to go?

mpnret wrote: Sun Jan 28, 2024 4:24 am
123 wrote: Sun Jan 28, 2024 12:50 am
ItzaHoot wrote: Sat Jan 27, 2024 8:31 pm Another possible and simple answer is that GFCI breakers and outlets fail over time. It's a very simple task to replace either a breaker or outlet and see if that will solve the problem.
+1 With your location in Virginia the garage GFCI may get a lot more humidity exposure over time than a typical indoor GFCI. They are very easy to replace.
Just change the GFCI. I have been charging my Tesla on a 120v GFCI for over 3 years without a single issue.
I was thinking the same thing. I used to charge my Tesla on a 120v GFCI outlet and it sometimes didn't work. I replaced the outlet and that fixed the problem.
by Afty
Thu Jan 25, 2024 11:41 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Any reason to not superfund 529?
Replies: 47
Views: 4085

Re: Any reason to not superfund 529?

The benefit of the 529 is tax-free growth, so the earlier you can fund it, the more benefit you get out of it. Therefore I think it's a good idea to superfund if you can afford it, and to stop contributions as you approach your goal amount in the account.
by Afty
Thu Jan 25, 2024 11:07 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Verizon Wireless price increase
Replies: 52
Views: 5532

Re: Verizon Wireless price increase

I’m super happy with US Mobile. We have two lines sharing 12 GB of data for $33/mo including all taxes, fees, etc. You get priority data as long as you have a 5G-capable device. It’s a great deal and works as well as the much more expensive Verizon postpaid service.

They just added a 10 GB plan for $15/mo if you pay for a year up front.
by Afty
Wed Jan 24, 2024 5:14 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Just got laid off
Replies: 120
Views: 15992

Re: Just got laid off

I'm sorry this happened to you, OP. Two weeks severance for 18 years of service is an insult. I wouldn't sign the document out of principle.

I think there's a great chance you'll find something better and this will end up a positive for you.
by Afty
Tue Jan 23, 2024 6:59 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Kids of wealthy parents, do they work?
Replies: 69
Views: 4740

Re: Kids of wealthy parents, do they work?

I didn't work in high school. Instead my parents sent me to various academic camps or volunteer opportunities that would help build my college transcript. In college I worked in the summers as a research assistant for a couple of professors, which is kind of a job but also not a real job.

I think I turned out just fine. :D
by Afty
Mon Jan 22, 2024 12:49 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: What video games are you currently playing?
Replies: 528
Views: 86740

Re: What video games are you currently playing?

I finished Elden Ring, which I posted about a few messages above. It was amazing, but also quite a large time commitment. It's a large time commitment both because there's a lot of interesting content in the open world and because it's very difficult, and defeating a section or a boss usually takes 10s of attempts. I loved the game but am also kind of happy to have my life back.

As a palate cleanser, I've been playing Super Mario Wonder on Switch. It's really cute and well crafted. I'm playing it both alone and multiplayer with my wife and kids, and it's wonderful in both contexts.
by Afty
Sun Jan 21, 2024 12:05 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Tire flat-spotting on EV
Replies: 30
Views: 3410

Re: Tire flat-spotting on EV

When I find myself making a decision “on principle,” that’s a hint that I’m making the wrong decision 😀
by Afty
Sat Jan 20, 2024 5:17 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Nice home, nice neighborhood, unsavory neighbors – options?
Replies: 92
Views: 10421

Re: Nice home, nice neighborhood, unsavory neighbors – options?

I wonder if you could raise a big enough stink about this to get the mayor and/or city council's attention. Get it on the news, etc.
by Afty
Sat Jan 20, 2024 11:37 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: New Runner Seeking Advice
Replies: 29
Views: 2840

Re: New Runner Seeking Advice

Dornhoefer wrote: Sat Jan 20, 2024 11:06 am I’m glad I ran marathons but found half-marathons much more enjoyable — get a lot of the benefits of marathons but are a more highly functioning human being afterwards. Have fun.
Same for me. Even in my 20s and 30s marathon training would often result in injury. I still have issues with one knee because I continued marathon training through pain.

That said, it is very individual. I have 40+ friends who regularly run marathon+ distances and rarely get injured.
by Afty
Fri Jan 19, 2024 12:57 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: New Runner Seeking Advice
Replies: 29
Views: 2840

Re: New Runner Seeking Advice

I'm on a three-year-and-counting run streak. I run 3 miles every day. I find that 3 miles a day is very sustainable both in that I don't get injured and also that it's not hard to fit it in my daily schedule. I also find that doing this streak has been really good for my motivation -- there is no way I'm missing a run now and messing up a years-long streak. Some other assorted advice: * As a new runner, you're prone to injury because your joints and tendons don't adjust to the workload as quickly as your muscles and cardiovascular. I'd advise to ramp up very slowly, more slowly than you think you need to. * It can be OK to run with some discomfort, but it can also lead to a more serious injury like a stress fracture. It's hard to know which...
by Afty
Thu Jan 18, 2024 5:09 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Are car washes necessary?
Replies: 116
Views: 12618

Re: Are car washes necessary?

In areas that get snow, it's good to get the undercarriage washed regularly in the winter to ward off rust. But not applicable to you in SoCal.
by Afty
Thu Jan 18, 2024 1:06 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: [Decision] Leave my job or wait to be let go?
Replies: 75
Views: 7042

Re: [Decision] Leave my job or wait to be let go?

What stresses do I have at work? As many have correctly inferred, the main issue is definitely me. I know this from working with a therapist who pointed out the whole perfectionism angle to me. I wasnt aware what perfectionism was nor how damaging that is to my mental health (and correspondingly to my physical health). I'm autistic also and dont relate well to people. However my current role is one where my job is very people centric because my project is huge, highly visible and generates tons of $$$ for my company. I have a hard time letting anything drop. Someone asked above if I've ever missed a deadline and I can say emphatically - no, never. FWIW, the team I work on is actually great about all of this so far and are very understandin...
by Afty
Sat Dec 30, 2023 6:02 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: My father in law says to buy silver...
Replies: 32
Views: 2622

Re: My father in law says to buy silver...

One thing about holding a significant amount of silver or gold coins: how are you going to keep them safe? If you’re going to keep them in your house, what if someone breaks in and finds them? I think this is a far more realistic risk than society collapsing.

I inherited a good amount of gold coins and kept them in my house, not because I wanted to hold gold but more because I didn’t want to figure out how to sell them. We did have a burglary, but fortunately they didn’t find the gold. That really shook me and I made it a priority to sell the coins. I don’t want any significant physical store of value in my house anymore.
by Afty
Fri Dec 22, 2023 12:35 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Inheritance Financial/Moral Dilemma
Replies: 105
Views: 12931

Re: Inheritance Financial/Moral Dilemma

Whatever you decide, I strongly agree with the other posters that you should have a conversation with them to explain your wishes. If you find yourself not wanting to have that conversation, that's a sign that you're making a decision that could cause a rift in the family after you're gone.
by Afty
Fri Dec 22, 2023 11:44 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: SIL considering a PhD in Engineering, worth it?
Replies: 97
Views: 14275

Re: SIL considering a PhD in Engineering, worth it?

Valuethinker wrote: Fri Dec 22, 2023 8:09 am (I do love the idea that in Finland, when you get your doctorate, you receive a genuine, life sized, broadsword. To defend truth and knowledge, I think is the reason. The idea of academic debates being settled by medieval tourneys really appeals to me ... take that, yon varlet John Cochrane! That? T'is only a flesh wound" 8-)
I didn't know this was a thing, but my department in the U.S. had almost exactly that tradition! There was a wooden kendo sword that was handed down from student to student after they defended their thesis. You'd carve your initials in the sword and leave it for the next student.
by Afty
Mon Dec 18, 2023 6:07 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Tips on car rental
Replies: 73
Views: 12552

Re: Tips on car rental

Re: Costco rentals -- I book far in advance and then set a monthly reminder to recheck the price. If it's gone down, I book the cheaper one and cancel the old reservation. Have saved hundreds this way. Costco doesn't even make you pay a deposit.
by Afty
Sun Dec 17, 2023 3:43 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: How Much Do You Value Your Time At?
Replies: 126
Views: 21047

Re: How Much Do You Value Your Time At?

With a garage door motor change, there is also risk involved. I personally would not undertake this most likely. I have viewed far too many ladder falls to hassle with a piece of overhead equipment. I always include the question "Is this task worth 10 physical therapy sessions". :wink: At 110 a session or 1100 dollars in addition to the 2 hours(travel and session) of my time at 100 hr or 2000 dollar, so a total of 3100 dollars. :shock: This keeps me from shoveling snow, clearing gutters, washing car, putting in ac. Moving furniture is ok, as I have sliders. :D This. A colleague of mine ended up with a fracture as he was trying to get rid of some low level branches in one of his trees in the front of the house. This was from a 6 f...
by Afty
Sat Dec 16, 2023 2:47 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: London Paris Amsterdam Trip - Need Advise
Replies: 41
Views: 6423

Re: London Paris Amsterdam Trip - Need Advise

We spent a week in Paris last spring with our 12 and 9 year old kids. I agree with the others that you're better off seeing only 1 or 2 of these places. For Paris, we stayed in an apartment rental through www.mymaisoninparis.com which was near the Eiffel Tower. It was perfect -- enough space for our family, the ability to cook if we wanted, and very convenient to a market street with bakeries, restaurants, takeout, etc. I'd highly recommend something like this for a family. We got around the city via public transportation. It was very easy and Google Maps never directed us wrong. Google Translate was very helpful, but most Parisians speak English and we found them generally happy to do that. For sights, our highlights were: * The Eiffel Tow...
by Afty
Thu Dec 14, 2023 11:19 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: What video games are you currently playing?
Replies: 528
Views: 86740

Re: What video games are you currently playing?

Barkingsparrow wrote: Thu Dec 14, 2023 8:32 am I finally got around to purchasing a PS5 for myself. The last game machine I bought was a Nintendo 64 about 30 years ago. I've started playing Horizon Forbidden West which looks and sounds fabulous. I'm still in that initial starting area as I try to memorize seemingly about 100 different controller settings.
I bought a PS5 this past April and have fallen in love with it. For the last 15 years or so I've been a very light PC gamer, playing maybe one game a year or so. With PS5 I really enjoy playing on my big living room OLED TV and surround system, and it's nice not to have to mess with settings to get a game to run well like you have to do on PC.

I'm currently playing Elden Ring on PS5 and really enjoying it.
by Afty
Thu Dec 07, 2023 11:17 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Advice for nephew, 25, raking in that Silicon Valley pay
Replies: 76
Views: 14386

Re: Advice for nephew, 25, raking in that Silicon Valley pay

As someone in that situation, I frankly don't think you need much special advice. Most of the standard Boglehead recommendations apply. A few things specific to the industry: Sell your RSUs immediately (assuming this is a post-IPO company). There is no tax advantage to holding them despite the common misconception. ESPP programs can provide a nice little boost. Every ESPP I've had in Silicon Valley guaranteed at least a 15% return and in some cases I got as much as 150%. Save save save. This industry goes through wild swings. I think we're coming out of this one but 2023 was rough. Find a good tax professional. Ask coworkers for referrals. Turbotax does not handle RSU/ESPP income very well, IMO. (It works, just very confusing). Bernstein's...
by Afty
Wed Dec 06, 2023 10:44 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Should I take job offer? Commute concerns
Replies: 50
Views: 7150

Re: Should I take job offer? Commute concerns

If I was to take the job further away, picking her up at 5pm would still be a challenge. I would have to leave work by 4:15 or so, and there is always the possibility of delays in traffic. I feel like it would be a long day for her if she had after care directly from school that went beyond 5pm. I knew I had a great job before. Great hours, great pay. Unfortunately, that ended. Obviously every child is different, but I will say that all three of our children have loved the after-school programs which extend to 5:30. My preference was to pick them up between 4-5, however the vast majority of the time they would ask me why they were getting picked up 'early' (ie. before their friends left.) 7:40-5:30 is a long day, but they all seemed up for...
by Afty
Wed Dec 06, 2023 10:40 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Should I take job offer? Commute concerns
Replies: 50
Views: 7150

Re: Should I take job offer? Commute concerns

Given what OP has said, I'd reject this position and keep looking for something closer to home. If you did take it I’d consider, after working there for a little while, moving to reduce your commute, if you can find a location that is convenient for both you and your wife.
by Afty
Wed Dec 06, 2023 6:50 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: How respond to recent graduate from my alma mater asking about "opportunities" at my company?
Replies: 93
Views: 10423

Re: How respond to recent graduate from my alma mater asking about "opportunities" at my company?

When I was a graduating PhD student, I reached out to people at companies asking about job opportunities, some of whom I knew, some I didn't. One person, whom I'd never met, sent me very long email responses to my questions, referred me to his company, and was one of my interviewers. I ended up taking that job and eventually reporting to that person. His generosity with his time led directly to the career I have today. By contrast, one person, whom I had met in person, never replied, and more than a decade later I'm still kind of salty about it. And I do run into this person because it's a small research community (actually, we're now at the same company). So I'd advocate for kindness with at least an email reply, even if you can't help the...
by Afty
Tue Dec 05, 2023 10:42 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: How respond to recent graduate from my alma mater asking about "opportunities" at my company?
Replies: 93
Views: 10423

Re: How respond to recent graduate from my alma mater asking about "opportunities" at my company?

I would reply in some way, but either option 1 or 2 seems reasonable to me. FWIW I too struggle with responding to these, and I’ve found ChatGPT very helpful for composing a polite response that basically says, sorry, I can’t help you. Thanks, that is kind of what I am leaning towards. But on the other hand, "networking" is supposedly a big part of attending a university. But if all it gets people is a link to the company job portal then is it vastly overrated? Or do they mean something else when they say "networking"?! It's not your responsibility to be the network for this person though. You can do it if you want, if you have some connection to them, or just want to be nice. But it's up to you. Also most likely this p...
by Afty
Tue Dec 05, 2023 10:20 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: How respond to recent graduate from my alma mater asking about "opportunities" at my company?
Replies: 93
Views: 10423

Re: How respond to recent graduate from my alma mater asking about "opportunities" at my company?

I would reply in some way, but either option 1 or 2 seems reasonable to me. FWIW I too struggle with responding to these, and I’ve found ChatGPT very helpful for composing a polite response that basically says, sorry, I can’t help you.
by Afty
Tue Dec 05, 2023 10:01 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Question for Remote Workers [Accommodating the workspace]
Replies: 41
Views: 3357

Re: Question for Remote Workers [Accommodating the workspace]

I second the noise canceling headphones idea. I’ve used them for years to block out distractions when working in person and from home. My work paid for a nice set as part of our remote work allowance, perhaps hers would as well.
by Afty
Sun Nov 26, 2023 9:36 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Coastfire opinion.
Replies: 38
Views: 6690

Re: Coastfire opinion.

One way to look at this is that you could retire today if you can cut expenses to $110k/yr (3% of $3.7M). Alternatively you can work longer to be able to spend more.
by Afty
Sun Nov 26, 2023 4:44 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: The psychology of frugality when you no longer need to be frugal
Replies: 152
Views: 28844

Re: The psychology of frugality when you no longer need to be frugal

I too struggle with this. Some strategies I use to counteract it: Have a policy. Similar to how we advise people to make a written IPS, I have a "policy" about selling stuff I no longer need -- if it's worth less than $50, I must donate it instead of wasting time selling it. I also try not to overthink purchases less than $100 (not always successful at this one). Don't let it negatively affect my family. Especially around things like vacations, deciding where to stay, etc. I don't want to be excessively frugal and hurt my family's experience. In truth I find it a lot easier to spend on my family than on myself. Let my frugality come out in ways that affect only me. Kind of a corollary to the above, I do let my excessive frugality ...
by Afty
Sat Nov 25, 2023 1:42 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Help with DD getting first job
Replies: 46
Views: 7580

Re: Help with DD getting first job

Two things are concerning. The GPA, and that the internship didn’t turn into a job offer. When I was hiring recent grads in a different field, a GPA below 3 was a red flag. We interviewed them, but they generally had not absorbed the material from their classes, and it was often an uncomfortable interview on both sides. An internship with NASA may be different, but internships are often essentially long form job interviews, and the fact that she didn’t come away with an offer is concerning. I think you need to be careful about generalizing from private sector internships to NASA (i.e., federal government). First, NASA can't just offer a job during/at end of an internship the way the private sector might because it is civil service. Second,...
by Afty
Fri Nov 24, 2023 1:10 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Mortgage almost paid off... now what?
Replies: 22
Views: 3821

Re: Mortgage almost paid off... now what?

Tom_T wrote: Fri Nov 24, 2023 12:04 pm Definitely check with your county. Property taxes can be due on something other than an annual basis.
Yeah, our property tax is due twice a year, and not exactly 6 months apart either. Payments are large enough that we have to make sure to budget for them.
by Afty
Thu Nov 23, 2023 11:25 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Dualit Classic Kettle - anyone used this?
Replies: 34
Views: 3157

Re: Dualit Classic Kettle - anyone used this?

I bought this Hamilton Beach kettle and it died just over a year later, out of warranty. It actually started leaking water from the bottom of the kettle, shorting out the heating element. Very dangerous. https://www.target.com/p/hamilton-beach ... A-82797711

I replaced it with this Cuisinart kettle that has a 3 year warranty: https://www.target.com/p/cuisinart-digi ... A-86266600
by Afty
Wed Nov 22, 2023 12:37 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: What frugal thing did you do today?
Replies: 4524
Views: 617419

Re: What frugal thing did you do today?

rockstar wrote: Wed Nov 22, 2023 10:39 am Buying trail runners that usually cost $150 for $100. And I’m buying multiple pairs to get me to next Black Friday. Best sake ever on them was 2020 when I got them for $50.
I'm a runner and have worn a specific running shoe for over a decade. I set an alert on Slickdeals so that I get an email whenever this shoe goes on sale, and I buy 2-3 pairs at a time which will hold me over for about a year.
by Afty
Sun Nov 19, 2023 6:07 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: New TV: OLED vs QLED
Replies: 53
Views: 17028

Re: New TV: OLED vs QLED

Mattman25 wrote: Sun Nov 19, 2023 5:11 pm I’ve always wondered how is it possible to stream 4K content over internet speeds of less than ~18 Gbps? The HDMI 2.0 standard for 4k@60 Hz, 4:4:4 chroma requires 18 Gbps. Is it the audio that they are sacrificing on? Or maybe some sort of caching mechanism?
Both the audio and video are compressed using lossy compression. Even 4k Blu-rays are compressed, though to a lesser degree than streaming 4k.
by Afty
Sun Nov 19, 2023 6:05 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: New TV: OLED vs QLED
Replies: 53
Views: 17028

Re: New TV: OLED vs QLED

Count me in the OLED camp. 2 years ago I bought a 77” LG C1, and it has spoiled me for all other displays. I can no longer tolerate LCDs and their grayish blacks.
by Afty
Sun Nov 19, 2023 5:12 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Painful spending cuts
Replies: 252
Views: 30763

Re: Painful spending cuts

I am also one of those who is puzzled by what OP hopes to accomplish. I have found that life its ownself presents countless opportunities to test one's resolve and resourcefulness. But perhaps others don't experience that as frequently as I do. A few months ago our washing machine developed a terminal problem and needed replacing. That process took much longer than we were led to believe--and at a time when we had several house guests for an extended period. There were nearby friends and relatives who knew of our plight and offered the use of their laundry rooms. I was surprised (and impressed!) that DS and his gf declined their offers and carried loads of clothes to a local laundromat. I can understand that they could do more loads in a h...